How to Choose the Most Effective Matting Agent

Research conducted on GRACE's SYLOID product group, one of the world's silica leaders, indicates that three factors warrant particular attention for matting efficiency: porosity (pore structure), particle size, and surface modification. Beyond these, dry film thickness and dynamics affecting the film surface—such as resin type, solid or volatile component content, solvent type, and drying method—are also among the factors influencing this efficiency. In Graph 1, you will see the performance of 3 different matting agents with the same particle size but varying pore volumes. As pore volume increases, the matting efficiency of the SYLOID® product increases.

Graph 1. Matting efficiency of 3 different matting agents with the same particle size but varying pore volumes

Graph 2 shows the effect of particle size. Three different matting agents with the same pore volume but differing particle sizes. The product with the larger average particle size provides more effective matting. An important consideration here is dry film thickness. Selecting a SYLOID® matting agent suited to the film thickness of your final product is crucial for surface properties.

Graph 2. Matting efficiency of 3 different matting agents with the same pore volume but varying particle sizes

Some SYLOID® products have organic surface coatings similar to waxes. Organically modified surfaces prevent settling, particularly in low-viscosity products and clear lacquers. Additionally, wax-modified products have shown positive improvements in scratch and stain resistance.

As shown in Graph 3, the matting efficiency of organically surface-modified matting agents is relatively lower compared to untreated types. You can adjust this by taking the other options mentioned above into account.

Graph 3. Matting efficiency of 2 different matting agents with the same particle size and pore volume, one surface-treated and one untreated

The heavier the dry film at a given matting agent dosage, the lower the matting efficiency. To effectively matte thick films, a matting agent with the largest possible particle size should be selected.                       Graph 4. Effect of film thickness on gloss The matting of a formulation containing a matting agent at a given dosage, beyond all the data above, also depends on dynamics causing film shrinkage. These dynamics can be classified as follows: • Resin system (different curing mechanisms exist), • Solid content (or volatile component content such as solvents), • Solvent type (varying vapor pressures), • Drying method (fast or slow drying).                       Graph 5. Difference in matting efficiency of the same matting agent in clear lacquers produced with different resins

To select the matting agent best suited to your system, you can review the GRACE – SYLOID® online product catalogs or contact Nordmann Türkiye directly as the distributor.

  Duygu Arslandağ Technical Sales and Product Manager Nordmann